2 Corinthians 4

The Image of God

Image of God — Christ perfectly shows what the Father is like

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:4

Satan, "the god of this world," tries to blind people so they cannot see the light of Christ's gospel. Christ is the image of God: to see Jesus is to see what the Father is like.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Colossians 1:15 — Christ "is the image of the invisible God".
• the same title in Hebrews 1:3 — The Son is "the express image of his person".

Christ Jesus the Lord

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 2 Corinthians 4:5

True servants of God point to Jesus Christ, not to themselves. They serve others because of Jesus.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

Light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

The same God who said "Let there be light" at the Creation now shines light into our hearts. We come to know God's glory by looking at Jesus Christ.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Genesis 1:3 — "Let there be light: and there was light."
• the same title in John 8:12 — "I am the light of the world".

The dying and the life of Jesus

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:10–11

Paul's constant dangers and suffering for Jesus make him share in the Lord's death, but that lets Jesus' risen life show through him. Disciples carry both His cross and His life.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

Resurrection of Jesus and of the Saints

Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 2 Corinthians 4:14

The Father raised Jesus from the dead, and by Jesus He will raise us too. Christ's Resurrection is the promise of ours.

How we know: the verse itself names Him